New Jersey’s candidates for governor darted through the state Monday, the last full day of a campaign being billed as a vote on President Barack Obama’s popularity.

Obama has made five appearances in New Jersey to make his case for Jon Corzine, the only Democratic governor seeking re-election this year.

Republicans have not won statewide in New Jersey in a dozen years. A victory would sting the president in a state he carried a year ago.

Corzine faces a tough challenge from Republican Chris Christie, a former prosecutor. Christie has suggested he is the candidate who will bring change to New Jersey.

Polls showed the race a tossup heading into Tuesday.

Independent candidate Chris Daggett is a former Environmental Protection Agency administrator who could influence the outcome.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.